The Liberal prime minister started off strong on the world stage, but has fallen out a global leadership role in the past few months, says the president of the Canadian International Council.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping have led their countries during diplomatic feuds and trade wars concerning all three during the past few years. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and courtesy of Gage Skidmore

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shown himself to be one of the best-ever Canadian leaders at projecting “soft power” on the world stage, but his government’s lack of focus on “hard power” is being called into question as Canada sits in the crosshairs of the world’s two superpowers, says a former longtime diplomat.

Gerald Butts has removed himself from the daily political grind of strategizing how to keep the Liberals in power. But observers say it's unlikely he will be consigned to watch the campaign unfold from the sidelines.

SNC-Lavalin risks a takeover if it's convicted. But aside from likely outrage in Quebec, Ottawa can find other builders for its infrastructure plans if the company is banned from bidding on federal contracts, experts say

The Quebec company had extensive access to government ministers and top staffers, and was the only organization registered to lobby for allowing deferred prosecution agreements for white collar crimes.